A few days ago I ran across a recipe for Autumn Harvest Burgers. But I HATE frying things very often if I can help it. So I revised the recipe a bit and turned it into a VERY delicious meatloaf. Husband doesn’t do meatloaf. Don’t ask me why – I have no idea. When I ask I get some excuse about not liking his food mixed together. But I just think he got a “bad batch” once and won’t try it again. Anywho, we enjoyed it with mashed potatoes (duh).

2 pounds ground beef (I used ground chuck – always)

2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (I used bought ones – garlic and herb)

2 granny smith apples peeled and chopped fine

1 cup onion chopped fine

2 TBSP dried chives

1 TBSP Dijon mustard

1 egg slightly beaten

salt and pepper to taste

catsup for spreading on the top of your meat loaf

Preheat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients except catsup in a large bowl until very well combined. I use my hands and squish it all together to be sure it is thoroughly mixed. Spray a 9 x 13 pyrex dish with cooking spray and glop your meat mixture into a pile in the middle of the dish. Shape into a long loaf leaving at least and inch of room all the way around in the dish. Flatten the top a little and spread catsup over the top – I used about a half a cup. Bake for about an hour, uncovered until internal temp is 170. I start checking my meat loaf at about 45 minutes. I like to use the thermometer so I dont accidentally overcook it and it is dry. As soon as it reaches 170 I take it out, let it rest about 5 -10 minutes and slice and serve.

If there had been any left it would have made EXCELLENT meat loaf sandwiches for today but…not a bite left! Oldest son was here for supper and I think he had three servings!

And then I found this recipe. I LOVE cranberries but I wonder if this doesnt look more like dessert with meat than meat with cranberries. Seems a little much on the sugar side of things but I may give it a try when Husband goes back to work.

Speaking of Husband, he is at his hotel in Tunis. He woke me up this morning to let me know he is safe and sound on that leg of his long journey. He will head out in the morning for Paris and then by tomorrow night he should be home! We have so much to do in the short 16 days he will be here. We have a couple of cookouts/dinners to host, a new bathtub to put in at my mom’s house (that we think is sold-fingers crossed) – part of the deal, fall gardent to plant…there is quite a list. But the first few days will be just for hanging out. Even if all the other things don’t get done. Priorities you know.